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Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue is expected to rule on the players' appeals in the New Orleans Saints bounty case Tuesday, according to a person informed of Tagliabue's timeline.

The person, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement, said Tagliabue hasn't guaranteed the timing of the ruling, but both sides are "reasonably confident" that will be the case.

Tagliabue has been able to keep the proceedings rather quiet in recent weeks, which those involved believe was a positive step after there were many leaks of information while the league conducted its original investigation.

The players involved – Jonathan Vilma, Anthony Hargrove, Will Smith and Scott Fujita – also have been encouraged with the information that has been presented to them, as well as the opportunity hear testimony from former Saints defensive coordinator Greg Williams and whistleblower Mike Cerullo.

The players repeatedly have stated anything other than an elimination of the suspensions would be unsatisfactory to them. If Taglibue only reduces the suspensions, expect the players to continue the fight they've already taken to a federal court in Louisiana.